By Segun Oye, Ibadan
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reacted to reports he met with the aggrieved PDP G-5 Governors in London, saying the reports are in bad faith.
The APC standard bearer, who is currently performing Lesser Hajj (Umrah) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, spoke through his Media Aide, Tunde Rahman, on Saturday.
A statement by the Media Office noted that Asiwaju Tinubu is entitled to meeting any political actor to advance his bid to become Nigeria’s next President but hastened to add that the reported meeting aimed at serving the political interest of the writers and their sponsors.
Prompt News reports that in the last few days, there had been reports that the G-5 governors – Governors Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Ikpeazu (Abia) met secretly with Asiwaju Tinubu in London.
While admitting that the APC presidential candidate was in London, the Media Office however, clarified thus:
“As usual with him when a year is coming to an end to take time off his busy schedules, take a little rest and proceed to Saudi Arabia to observe Umrah(Lesser Hajj), HE Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in London during the week en route Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
“While in the United Kingdom, Asiwaju Tinubu noted some articles in some national newspapers in Nigeria, alleging a secret meeting was held in London between him and the G-5 governors who are members of Peoples Democratic Party.
“These reports, to say the least, are not only in bad faith but also evil intentioned. They were published to advance the political interests of the writers and their sponsors.
“The Presidential Standard-bearer of the All Progressives Congress, HE Asiwaju Tinubu, is neither bothered by these articles nor by their sponsors who are well known. He is resolutely focused on his campaign objectives which are geared towards achieving victory in the upcoming presidential election in order to deliver the APC’s Action Plan aimed at giving a Renewed Hope to our people in all facets of their lives.
“But we must point out that the APC candidate is entitled to meeting any political actor or stakeholder that is important to his campaign and plans for the country and that desires to engage with him.
The truth with respect to his present itinerary is as follows:
-HE Asíwájú Tinubu came to London on Boxing Day Monday December 26, 2022 to spend a few days preparatory to his trip to Saudi Arabia.
-After spending some time in London, he has now proceeded to Mecca where he is at present observing Umrah.
-He is scheduled to return to the country within the next two days to continue with the campaign.
“We would like to use this opportunity to advise those writing unsubstantiated articles and peddling rumours on him to desist forthwith.”
